Reflections by Sammy Way: The Sumter Chicks begin play at Riley Park

By SAMMY WAY

Posted 5/5/19

Reflections remembers the arrival of a Tri-State Baseball League representative to the Sumter community in 1948. The name of this new organization was selected by a board of directors "at an organizational meeting held at the Coca-Cola Community …

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Reflections by Sammy Way: The Sumter Chicks begin play at Riley Park

The Chicks and the Steelers watch the flag raising ceremony, which took place to the musical accompaniment of "The Star-Spangled Banner" in April 1949. At the foot of the flagpole are W. T. McCracken, candidate for department commander, South Carolina American Legion; T. H. Davis Jr., commander of Sumter Post 3034, Veterans of Foreign Wars; and Gwyn Shelor.

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

Infield action - Jack Sofia, shortstop for the winners, attempts to complete a double play in the intra-squad game at Riley Park on March 30, 1949, between two Sumter teams. The runner was forced at second, but the batter was safe at first. No. 16 is Joe Sabatella, No. 4 is Raymond Pate, and No. 7 is Fred Daniels.

During the preliminary events which marked the opening of the Sumter Chicks' home season in 1949 was the "all-star" game played just before the Chicks tangled with the Florence Steelers. Players included, from left, City Manager J. A. Raffield as umpire, former U.S. Congressman John J. Riley as catcher and Mayor W. E. Bynum as batter. Gov. J. Strom Thurmond was one of the visitors and made a brief address and served as pitcher for the "all-star" game.

Sumter's Chicks signed James Partin, former Sumter High School and American Legion star. Partin batted .420 his last year in high school ball, and club co-owner and scout Ike Reeder thought Partin had the ability to go places in organized ball. Partin was to begin spring training with the Chicks. Seen with Partin is his father, H. J. Partin.

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

1950 - Mayor W. E. Bynum buys the first ticket for the Chicks' four-game series with Asheville and three-game series with Knoxville during Baseball Week in Sumter, June 19-25, from A. T. Heath Jr., president, Sumter Chicks Inc., while Troy Agnew, center, the club's general manager, looks on. The advance sale was designed to increase attendance at Riley Park and ensure the continuance of Tri-State League baseball in Sumter.

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

The Sumter Chicks played at the newly named Riley Ball Park and opened their season April 14, 1949.

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

Posted
Sunday, May 5, 2019 6:00 am

By SAMMY WAY

Reflections remembers the arrival of a Tri-State Baseball League representative to the Sumter community in 1948. The name of this new organization was selected by a board of directors "at an organizational meeting held at the Coca-Cola Community Room." The winning name for the new club was submitted by four fans: L. M. Lyons, Manning R. Rappe Sr., D. G. Lenoir and E. S. Booth Jr. The name chosen was 'The Chicks," and they would play their games at the newly named Riley Ball Park (formerly Municipal Stadium), dedicated to Sumter's representative in Congress and Legion coach. The naming ceremony took place shortly after John Riley returned home in August of 1947. Photos and articles used in preparing this issue of Reflections were provided by The Sumter Item archives.

The Chicks were scheduled to open their season on April 14, 1949, with a game against the Florence team. In February of 1949, the city of Sumter agreed to extend a five-year lease to the Chick organization allowing games to be played at Riley Ball Park. Shortly after this meeting, Wes Livengood was named manager of Sumter's Chicks, and he was given a warm reception by Sumter fans.

In March of 1949, a starting lineup was announced featuring Joe Sabatella at first base with Fred Daniels and Grover Blackmon competing for second base. Adam Bengochen was at third along with Frank Lansetti, with Jack Sofia scheduled to play shortstop. Pat Cooper, Lenf Morrison and rookies James Partin and Leland Helms were in the outfield. Partin was a former player at Sumter High and Legion star. "Joe Cleary, who had a 22-9 record for Gainesville, Florida last year, arrived in camp, leaving only Alex Zych to report before the pitching roster is complete."

"Mayor W. E. Bynum proclaimed April 15, 1949, as a red-letter day in the history of Sumter. In his proclamation, submitted to The Item for publication, the mayor pointed out that on this day the first home game of the regular season of the Sumter Chicks, local Tri-State League team, would be played that evening. Under the able sponsorship of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and with the cooperation of every interested citizen, a large crowd viewed the first game. A parade celebrating the event was held on Main Street and included members of the Florence ball club, the opponents for the first game."

According to Wikipedia Encyclopedia, due to poor attendance "in 1952 the Chicks and the Florence Steelers were replaced by the Greenwood Tigers and the Greenville Spinners in the Tri-State League."

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